I wanted to take a minute to say thanks for the fine article you wrote for PilotShareTheRide.com (A new way to share an airplane — or at least a ride, May 19 issue). GANews has been very helpful to me this past year and I do greatly appreciate it. It has boosted my membership quite […]
‘Prove it’ should be our call to Washington
Your article in GANews (Prove it! May 19 issue) was exactly what I always thought in regard to the politically correct way of disseminating information in today’s society. In college, I was required to take a class called “critical thinking” and found it very good as a tool in using caution in putting any stock […]
Ethanol: It’s misunderstood
I just read Mr. Visser’s article about ethanol and airplanes (Ethanol and airplanes: A good mix? May 19 issue). I agree that ethanol blended gas may not be the best choice for aircraft use. However, as an ex-farmer and now an aircraft mechanic, I have a slight argument about the general use of ethanol blended […]
AFSS.com goes live
Lockheed Martin, which took over operation of all Flight Service Stations last October, has launched a new website, AFSS.com, that provides a feedback mechanism for GA pilots who use Automated Flight Service Station services. The site also includes contact information, general aviation information and other features useful to fliers. The website will be online until […]
Sport-Jet crashes on takeoff
The Sport-Jet prototype crashed late last month during flight testing in Colorado Springs, Colo., leading the company to suspend work on the jet until the accident investigation is complete. During takeoff the plane suffered an uncommanded roll at low altitude, possibly induced by wake turbulence or a weather phenomenon such as a microburst, according to […]
Hail damages 60 aircraft
A freak hail storm in early June damaged more than 60 new Columbia airplanes parked outside the Columbia Aircraft factory in Oregon. While the composite planes show few visible signs of damage, use of reflected light showed that there were marks on the paint, according to Bing Lantis, president and CEO. The planes must be […]
Extra unveils 300SHP
Extra Aircraft recently unveiled its newest design, the Extra 300SHP. Designed by company founder Walter Extra, in collaboration with airshow performer Michael Goulian, the “next generation” aircraft sports a new tail and cowling design. The airframe is 100 pounds lighter than Extra’s original 300S, which debuted in 1992. Powering the new aircraft is Lycoming’s new […]
Eclipse certification slips
Also suffering delays is Eclipse Aviation, which says certification of its Eclipse 500 jet is expected in a few weeks. The company had planned for certification by June 30, but supplier delays pushed the schedule back. The Eclipse is expected to be the first Very Light Jet to reach certification.
Cirrus expands reassembly program
Cirrus has expanded its reassembly program to Australia. Sunland Aviation of Brisbane, Australia, will reassemble aircraft that are sold in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim. Earlier this year, Cirrus inked a deal with Britten-Norman in the United Kingdom to reassemble and deliver 100 airplanes a year for European customers.